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how to restart or erase my whole hp laptop to like new again?

yea i just got a hp laptop from my friend but he forgot his parental control password that he had for is kids..so i cant go on many websites like youtube ect..plus he got like is music and stuff still on it so how do i restart or erase the whole computer to make it like fresh again because i can put my own stuff on it thanks.

Public Comments

1. The computer should have come with a re-install disk that can be used to re-install the operating system from scratch. I
2. Hi There, The best way to learn about reinstalling your operating system to "like new" condition is to do a little research. Click "Start" "help and Support" which will open up a dialog box for a search. In the search box type in "reinstalling the operating system". That should bring up the exact procedures for your particular computer. You should write down the procedures or print them out (if that's an option). Write down any information you will need to connect to the internet (since all that will have to be reentered later) If you have a set of recovery disks have them handy because you will need them unless there is a hidden partition. The "Help and Support" instructions will tell you what you will need. Also have an anti- virus program availiable. Saved to a CD or Flash drive. When you are offered the choice select the "destructive install" option. that option "wipes" that hard drive and reinstall windows. (Which is what you want to do). Make sure you are not connected to the internet until you start installation of your anti-virus application. The AV application needs an internet connection while it is updating and registering. Follow the directions you have written down to reinstall your operating system. Don't let Windows start all it's updates yet (do that after your anti-virus application is working) Check After reinstallation of your operating system and anti-virus application you should check the Windows security center to make sure the anti-virus application and the Windows firewall is enabled. While there set Windows automatic updates to "Notify me but do not download updates". Now you can set up your internet connection and e-mail program. Once all this is done you can download the windows updates. (there may be 80-100 of them and it will take an hour or more - so take a break) This is quite a process and it will take you an afternoon so plan accordingly. Hope this helps, al